For Teen Actress, Castings Akin to Cram School

Kim So-hyun has appeared in a score of films and TV dramas on all three major terrestrial channels since making her debut eight years ago, yet she is still only 14 years old.

"I'm just grateful that I have been able to take part in so many exciting projects, many of which came as a complete surprise," said Kim, flashing a shy smile.

Kim So-hyun

Scores of auditions have served as a de facto cram school for the craft of acting. Since the age of seven, when she had her first casting, she has gone through over 100 multi-stage auditions.

Getting just one or two hours of sleep a night is often part of the routine while shooting TV series, giving her no free time to even consider socializing with her friends.

"But every scene I appear in is like an acting class," said Kim, adding that she always studies the facial expressions and performances of those more experienced actors with whom she shares the stage.

"I think I have less of a child-actor image because I've mostly done roles older than my actual age," she said. "I will focus on taking my career one step at a time, rather than taking things too quickly. I'd love to do a teen drama, because I think that would allow me to express myself most naturally at this point."